The sting ran from July 11 to Sept. 4 and resulted in the department issuing 40 warrants to 33 people, according to a news release from the Austin Police Department.

Arrests of the 33 took place between Sept. 6 and Sept. 12.

Among the felony charges listed in the warrants were delivery of a controlled substance, delivery of a simulated controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, and delivery of a dangerous drug.

"The initiative proactively sought out drug dealers and buyers who were preying on the vulnerable population in the downtown area, many of whom seek assistance from social services," the news release stated.

Those arrested, who range in age from 17 to 61, may face punishments ranging from 180 days in jail to 10 years in prison and fines up to $10,000.

Among them, the 33 arrested have had 1,842 involvements with Austin police, according to the department.

"These individuals regularly require police services, preventing officers from working on other community problems," the release said.

Known as Operation Safe Assistance II, the sting was a follow-up to an earlier sting May 3-29, named Operation Safe Assistance. Though of shorter duration, the May sting resulted in 70 warrants issued against 50 people, the release said.

Of those charged in May, 46 were arrested and 35 remained in jail on Sept. 13, the release said.

As of that date, the Travis County District Attorney's Office had made 24 plea offers to those arrested in May, ranging from 10 months to eight years, according to the news release.